- The Chevrolet Corvette is the best convertible car under $40K
- A Ford Mustang offers a trim level for everyone
- The Mazda Miata brings value to convertibles under 40
It might only be February, but that’s exactly why you should be looking at buying one of these convertible cars. Most folks are still sitting around upset that it’s dark at 5. Instead, you can be looking for the sports cars no one wants in an already hot market. That’s why I put together a list of the best convertibles under $40,000.
The C6 Chevrolet Corvette | Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Corvette is the best convertible car under $40K
Let’s just get this out of the way now, shall we? Combining affordability, reliability, and a good deal of practicality, the Chevrolet Corvette is the best convertible car under $40,000. A brand new Corvette convertible will make the neighbors jealous, but you can save a good bit of cash by going used. Happily, $40K buys you a lot of drop-top ‘Vette. You can even have your choice of transmission, but I’d be sticking with the stick.
A Mazda Miata is the best budget convertible
The 2017 Mazda Miata RF | National Motor Museum via Getty Images
Talking of saving money. The Chevrolet Corvette might be the best all-out convertible car for the money, but the Mazda Miata is the best cheap convertible. Even now, you can spend pretty much as little as you want on a Mazda Miata. Most make under 200 hp, and that’s a good thing. The Miata is about balance, not power. It’s the scalpel to the Corvette’s hammer. And that’s why you should want one.
The Ford Mustang is a classic muscle car choice
Ford’s Mustang in convertible form | Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Let’s talk about another hammer, then. The Ford Mustang convertible offers far and away the best variety on this list. $40K or not, there’s a ‘Stang for you. Ford offers four, six, and of course, eight cylinders, as well as either an automatic or manual transmission. There’s also any number of trim levels in between. Obviously, we’d get a V8, stick-shift car as close to $40K as you can.
The Jeep Wrangler is a convertible car worthy of daily driver duty
The Jeep Wrangler with removable soft top | Jeep
“Convertible” might be the wrong word to describe the Jeep Wrangler. But, it’s got a rag top to let in some of that upcoming spring air. Of course, being a Jeep, this is the one we’d take anywhere and everywhere. That’s doubly true if you want to use your convertible car to haul more than ass. Like the Ford Mustang, the Jeep will come in any number of engines, trim levels, and transmissions. Get the biggest one you can with an automatic. Working a clutch off-road isn’t for everyone. That said, the Corvette cannot be usurped as the best drop-top to do it all.
Keyword: The Best Convertible Cars to Buy Under $40,000